Clay Pell

On Politics

9:40 am

Wed August 20, 2014

On the surface, the latest WPRI-TV/Providence Journal poll might seem like a clear win for Gina Raimondo, since she leads her closest Democratic primary rival, Angel Taveras by five points, 32 percent to 27 percent, with Clay Pell (26 percent) right behind Taveras.

Yet Raimondo's lead is barely larger than the 4.38 percent margin of error in the poll, and 13 percent of voters remain undecided with just under three weeks to go until the September 9 primary.

On Politics

4:57 pm

Fri August 15, 2014

There's already hint of fall in the air as the political calendar inexorably moves toward Rhode Island's September 9 primary. So thanks for stopping by for my Friday column, and, as always, feel free to send your tips and thoughts my way, and to follow me on the twitters. Here we go.

On Politics

4:33 pm

Fri August 8, 2014

Thanks for stopping by to welcome TGIF back from its summer vacation. Not much happened while we were gone, other than the sale of the ProJo, David Caprio's resignation as Democratic Party chairman, and the remaking of the Red Sox, among other things. Yet the beat goes on, so feel free to share your tips and thoughts via idonnis (at) ripr (dot) org and to follow me through the week on the twitters. Here we go.

On Politics

9:49 am

Wed August 6, 2014

In a sign that Angel Taveras' gubernatorial campaign is concerned about the threat posed by rival Democrat Clay Pell, Taveras' campaign is using a new television ad to attack Pell's experience, voting record, and Rhode Island credentials.

The televised air wars have started in the Democratic primary for governor. RIPR political analyst Scott MacKay wonders if voters are paying attention yet.

As the weeks dwindle towards the September primary, the advertising rhetoric among the major Democratic candidates has heated up. This is especially true of the campaigns of Providence Mayor Angel Taveras and General Treasurer Gina Raimondo.

On Politics

4:14 pm

Mon July 14, 2014

Angel Taveras' Democratic gubernatorial campaign used a statement released Monday to press its central line of attack against his main rival, Gina Raimondo, charging she's closely aligned with Wall Street interests. Raimondo's campaign responded by disputing the message and expressing disappointment "in the increasingly personal and negative nature of the mayor's campaign."

The Education Blog

9:24 am

Wed July 9, 2014

Speaking Tuesday night at a special edition of RIPR's Political Roundtable, Providence Mayor Angel Taveras said he made "a very public mistake" when he fired every Providence public school teacher early on in his tenure as mayor.

At the time, Taveras said the firings would give the city flexibility in the midst of a financial crisis.

Rhody Votes 14

8:25 pm

Tue July 8, 2014

The Democratic candidates running for governor took part in a special, live edition of The Political Roundtable. Todd Giroux, Clay Pell, Gina Raimondo and Angel Taveras answered questions from our moderators and asked each other questions.

Scott MacKay Commentary

5:04 pm

Wed July 2, 2014

You may be fed up with Rhode Island politics. But RIPR political analyst Scott MacKay says now is no time for Rhode Islanders to retreat into a cocoon of apathy.

It’s the high season of summer in our corner of southeastern New England. A time of blue skies, fluffy whipped cream clouds and sun-washed surf. It’s what many of us consider our best season. Proust had his madeleines. Rhode Island natives have our childhood memories stirred by plates stacked high with steamers, saugys and clambakes on the beach.